Guterres welcomes 'Peace Council' goals for Gaza reconstruction, criticizes Trump's unilateral decision-making

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, expressed his welcome for the initiatives aimed at funding and rebuilding infrastructure and homes in the Gaza Strip, which were included in the plan of the 'Peace Council' affiliated with US President Donald Trump. Guterres affirmed in press statements that the international organization is closely following the goals approved by the UN Security Council in this regard, pointing to active cooperation with the administrative structures established by the American initiative to ensure that support reaches those who deserve it.

Despite welcoming the construction goals, the UN official criticized the project's management mechanism, considering that the US President's complete control over all details represents an obstacle to the required effectiveness. Guterres stressed that addressing the grave crises faced by Palestinians requires institutional work that goes beyond personal projects, affirming that clarity regarding international law and the values of the United Nations Charter remains the cornerstone of any genuine pursuit of peace.

Regarding the situation on the ground, the report indicated a continued deterioration of living conditions in the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire agreement coming into effect on October 10, 2025. The occupying state faces direct accusations of not adhering to the truce provisions, especially concerning the entry of humanitarian and medical aid and essential shelter equipment, which exacerbates the suffering of hundreds of thousands of displaced people in dilapidated shelters.

Field sources reported that the occupation army continues its daily violations of the agreement through concentrated shelling and gunfire in border areas, threatening the collapse of the fragile truce. The ongoing war has resulted in catastrophic figures, with the number of martyrs rising to over 72,000, while the number of injured has exceeded 172,000, amidst massive destruction affecting nearly 90% of vital and civilian facilities in various governorates of the Strip.

On the diplomatic front, Guterres revealed that there has been no direct contact between him and President Trump since the outbreak of the recent confrontations, but he affirmed the continuation of diplomatic channels with prominent officials in the American administration. The Secretary-General refused to disclose the identity of these officials, contenting himself with indicating that coordination focuses on attempting to align American initiatives with urgent humanitarian requirements on the ground.

In a related regional context, the UN Secretary-General called for the necessity of ending the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of its repercussions on regional stability and global trade. Guterres suggested that the United Nations play a pivotal role in protecting this strategic waterway and that the organization be part of a comprehensive international plan to de-escalate military tensions and ensure freedom of navigation.

These statements come at a sensitive time when international parties are trying to consolidate stability in the region, amidst legal and political challenges posed by the nature of the new American initiatives. The UN bet remains on the necessity of integrating all relief efforts within the framework of international legitimacy to ensure the sustainability of reconstruction and the protection of fundamental Palestinian rights in light of unprecedented destruction.

There is a goal that has been identified and adopted by the Security Council, and we are actively cooperating with the structures established by the Peace Council, but complete control is not an effective way to address serious problems.